DID YOU READ

Kirsten Dunst is not a fan of comic book movie post-credit scenes

Even though Kirsten Dunst‘s last “Spider-Man” film came out just four years ago, it feels like it belongs to another era of comic book movies. Spidey’s about to get a square one reboot in next summer’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” while Marvel has built its own cinematic comic universe with “Iron Man,” “Thor, and “Captain America” all building to the upcoming “Avengers” movie from Joss Whedon.

With the final moments of my video interview with Dunst about her incredible performance in Lars von Trier‘s new movie “Melancholia,” I decided to ask the talented actress about the changing landscape of comic book movies. Was she glad that her “Spider-Man” films were their own separate thing, or would she have liked the chance to play Mary Jane in other characters’ films? Dunst paused and then gave me an answer that surprised me:

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Kirsten Dunst is not a fan of comic book movie post-credit scenes

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“The one thing about the movies now when I go with my friends that are really into ‘Captain America,’ or whatever — we have to sit there through the whole credits and then wait at the end for these clips that are a couple minutes long that preview the next movie and I find that really annoying. [laughs] We really have to sit here through the entire credits so we can watch two minutes of a movie that’s coming out next year? I don’t like that whole thing, but I know that’s really geeky and awesome for everyone else. For me, I find it really irritating. [laughs]”

Let me say that I’m one of those people that’s “really into” Captain America and the rest of these comic book characters. My office is a veritable shrine to Spider-Man. It’s packed with toys, comics, original art; there may even be an action figure of Dunst’s Mary Jane in there (okay, I’m trying to play it cool and act like I’m not sure; there totally is one standing next to Spidey). Arguably no one should be more into these so-called “credit cookies” than me. I am the Colin Farrellish bullseye at the center of the target audience.

But here’s the thing: I think Kirsten’s right about this.

The cookies were fun for a while, particularly the one in “Iron Man” because it was such a total surprise and it included a genuinely cool cameo from a big-time movie star (namely Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury). But the Sam Jackson “Iron Man” cameo was so cool, audiences started to expect credit cookies with every comic book movie. And then producers started dutifully supplying them even when they didn’t have the material to support them. The tease in “Iron Man 2” was an anticlimactic glimpse of Thor’s hammer; the tease in “Captain America” was of a couple of characters having an awkward, meaningless conversation. If it looked like it was shot quickly months after the rest of the movie, that’s because it was.

The problem spread beyond Marvel movies this summer. “Green Lantern”‘s credit cookie actively contradicted the film’s conclusion for the sake of a confusing, pointless reference to the original DC comic books. Meanwhile, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” relegated the transformation of Earth into an ape-dominated dystopia to a CGI cookie in the middle of the closing credits. Shouldn’t something as important as the extinction of the entire human race be included in the film itself?

It’s a trope that’s gotten way out of hand. So we’re with you Kirsten: credit cookies are getting irritating. They should be based on merit, not obligation. When the filmmakers have a tease that’s cool enough to throw in but not so important that it belongs in the body of the movie, we’re up for it. When they’re just throwing something on the screen for the hell of it because that’s what happens in geek movies nowadays, we’ll pass.

We’ll have lots more from the “Melancholia” junket in the days ahead. The film opens this Friday. To the best of my knowledge, it contains no credit cookies.

What do YOU think of comic book movie credit cookies? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…